EAST ORANGE EDUCATION ASSOCIATION

EAST ORANGE EDUCATION ASSOCIATION

Government  Relations  -   February 2012

Submitted by Amy Hanks Scott

Dear Colleagues:

               Now is the time to focus on the needs of the children. It is time for us as educators to take charge of our profession and advocate for our students despite the political arenas, the outcry of the BOE, or the harassment of administrators. Secretary of Education, Arne Duncan stated, “The educational challenges facing our nation are massive and urgent, but I am convinced that the capacity, the courage, and the commitment of our nations’ teachers, school leaders, parents, and students’ themselves are up to the challenge. Let’s stop defending the status quo when it hurts children. Let’s wage the right education battles. Together let’s work collectively to advance achievement and a love for learning in America. It’s time to seek common ground knowing that it will take you out of your comfort zone and require tough minded collaboration. Time to put less emphasis on maintaining ideological purity and making false choices, and placing more emphasis on helping children.” Duncan also stated that a dysfunctional gridlock in Congress today is no secret.

            President Obama though disturbed by the lack of progress for the NCLB, approved waivers for ten states including New Jersey. According to Governor Christie the Obama administration approved the state’s NCLB waiver application for its bold and aggressive education reforms, which demonstrate that Christie’s reforms are not only comprehensive and ambitious in aiming to turn around failing schools and to deliver a quality education to every student; it is part of a national bipartisan reform movement. According to the media, New Jersey is leading the way for progressive school reform. Beginning in September 2012 New Jersey schools will no longer be subject to the antiquated NCLB accountability provisions and sanctions (AYP) but the NJDOE will work to implement  a fairer and more nuanced accountability system that measures schools based on both growth and absolute attainment.

               During his State of the Union message, President Obama spoke about the importance of good teachers and that the government needs to keep them in the classroom while giving them resources and flexibility to do their jobs. Obama still supports “merit pay” and raising the drop-out age to 18 as a means of increasing graduation ratio and decreasing the drop-out rate. Obama also talked about making college more affordable, and placing less emphasis on testing. New Jersey appears to be moving in the right direction.

               In New Jersey, Acting Educational Commissioner Cerf has relocated to Somerset County, Cerf will be interviewed by the Senate Judiciary Committee and more than likely his appointment approved. The Teacher Evaluation Pilot Program has gotten off to a mixed start. Now the Christie administration is tweaking its plans for next year and extending the pilot to a limited number of districts rather than statewide as planned. About 300 teachers were given a $100 gift card for their participation in a study group discussing tenure and evaluations. After discussions, and active participation the conclusion is that it is difficult to assess the efficiency or fairness of an evaluation system that doesn’t exist yet, and that are too many unknown variables. Student test scores are a moving target. As standards change, the evaluation process must adapt. Our district is implementing the Danielson Model, which is being testing in our schools upon receiving School Improvement Grant, and scheduled for full implementation in September. Teachers are being trained now and prepared for the future. This model demands evidence of student progress.

               Tenure reform seems to be taking center stage in New Jersey. A few days ago Senator Louise Ruiz finally released a tenure bill which is similar to an earlier proposal to extend the tenure process to “four years” with the first year being mentoring, and the next three requires teachers to obtain a rating of effective or highly effective in order to achieve tenure. Although our Governor wanted to completely eliminate tenure and seniority, he may be willing to compromise. Gradually his reform agenda is becoming a reality. In addition, Senator Sweeney proposed a sick leave bill that would end the practice for new employees and bar payout to current employees for additional time accumulated. The limit on payouts is still pending; however suggested payouts remain at $15,000; $7500; or $0. Gov. Christie wants this process eliminated. There will be a compromise.

               New Jersey approved eight more Charter Schools last month with two being proposed as Virtual Academies (Online Learning). Recently Newark planned to shut down seven (7) failing schools and replace them with private or charter schools. According to the news, these students will be transferred to other schools, and staff may be transferred or dismissed. Also, Gov. Christie shut down the School Development Authority forcing many students to dwell in dilapidated unsafe buildings, yet he allocated $16.5 million in subsided federal funds to support and expand charter schools. The ELC is challenging this. Gov. Christie and Mayor Corey Booker attended the Ground Breaking of Teacher Village Complex in Newark. This complex will have three charter schools, a daycare center, over 200 rental apartments for Newark Teachers, and 70,000 square feet of retail space. The Assembly Education Committee approved a bill which requires Charter Schools to be subject to voter approval, however our Governor supports a public vote on Gay Marriage, but not for Charter Schools. His trend seems to be separate, and not equal.

               As Christie pushes for Romney as the Republican Candidate, let us push harder for President Obama. His re-election is critical to the future of teachers and public education. Register to vote on or before March 27, 2012 for School board and budget elections. It is imperative that we pass School budget this year. Encourage colleagues to send in absentee ballots, and remind everyone to VOTE. As previously stated, let us put away foolish things such as the play on words and the attack on union leaders, and unite for one major cause, education and equality for all. Support our unions because daily they defend you, and please make a contribution to PAC.  The time to act is now. The time to put on armor and save our students is now.

Keeps abreast of legislation that affects education.  Promotes letter writing campaigns when necessary.  Works with ECEA and NJEA to Get Out the Vote